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176c. O fire of God the Comforter!

1. O fire of God the Comforter!
O life of all who live!
Holy are you to quicken us,
and holy strength to give:

2. To heal the broken-hearted ones,
their sorest wounds to bind,
O Spirit of all holiness,
Lover of humankind!

3. O sweetest taste within the breast,
O grace upon us poured,
That saintly hearts may give again
their perfume to the Lord.

4. O purest fountain! we can see,
clear mirrored in your streams,
How God brings home the wanderers,
how God the lost redeems.

5. O Breastplate strong to guard our lives,
O bond of one accord,
O dwelling place of righteousness,
save all who trust the Lord!

6. Defend those who in dungeon dark
are prisoned by the foe,
And as your will is strong to save,
let all the captives go.

7. O surest way, that through the height
and through the lowest deep,
And through the earth does pass,
and all in firmest union keep;

8. From you the clouds of ether move;
from you the moisture flows;
From you the waters draw their brooks,
and earth with verdure glows.

9. And you have always taught the wise,
and freely on them pour
The inspiration of your gifts,
the gladness of your lore.

10. All praise to you, O joy of life,
O hope and strength, we raise,
Who gives to us the prize of Light,
who is yourself all praise!

Text Information
First Line: O fire of God the Comforter!
Original Language: Latin
Author: Hildegard of Bingen
Translator: Richard F. Littledale (1880)
Meter: 8.6.8.6
Language: English
Publication Date: 2024
Topic: Pentecost
Source: Songs of the Soul, 1880, alt.
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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